R360 Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, last week declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC head the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.